Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Halloween III

Tuesday after Pentecost 19October 13, 2009

The Lord be with you

This is now my third post about Halloween and how we might celebrate on October 31 while not hurting sensitive consciences. In the first I suggested celebrating the “communion of saints.” In the second I suggested celebrating “Reformation Day.” There is yet another option, and this is for any atheist who is uncomfortable about Halloween because the whole idea of ghosts and witches strongly suggests that the supernatural is real. It is also an option for those who are in settings that frown on anything that might have spiritual implications, like say a public school. Finally, for those who are Christians, it is not difficult to find the hand of God in this idea, so if you are looking for a way to celebrate on October 31 that might draw the un-churched but not be blatantly “Christian,” this idea might work for you. It could be an outreach opportunity.

October is, of course, in the Fall. A Fall festival or a Harvest festival would fit quite nicely on October 31. Many of the traditional games played at Halloween get-togethers are actually Fall/Harvest games, like bobbing for apples. Apple and pumpkin pies, corn on the cob, and other “harvest time” favorites would be eaten gladly. If you are planning a get-together for adults you might want to have an “Oktoberfest” party. You could accent German food, German culture (or at least a Germany travel poster), and so on.

The spiritual aspect could be brought in with a Thanksgiving accent. All this goodness is from the bounty of our God. Granted this is not specifically “Christian,” but could be an excellent way to gently introduce the idea of something greater than the physical into the activities. Being ready to share more about Jesus if asked would make the difference here.